Lynx to start season ranked No. 1

Lincoln poised to defend DII men's basketball title

[October 26, 2010]  With three returning starters on the roster for 2010-11, defending national champion Lincoln College grabbed the No. 1 ranking in the NJCAA Men's Division II Preseason Poll. Perennial Michigan power Mott Community College is second, followed by Cecil College in Maryland.

The Lynx of Lincoln have reloaded their roster with fresh talent, but it will be three veteran players from last year's title team who will keep head coach Kirk Whiteman's club in contention this year.

Last year's national tournament MVP Kiel Turpin (6-foot-11, 225 pounds) returns after averaging 9.8 points and 5.7 rebounds a game. At last year's DII tournament in Danville, he averaged 16.3 points and 3.8 blocks a contest. DeMarius Sumrell (6-foot-1, 175 pounds) and Louie Schonauer (6-foot-3, 175 pounds) also return after productive seasons a year ago. Sumrell poured in 11.5 points and 2.2 assists, while Schonauer contributed 8.2 points and 2.6 assists.

"Obviously this is a reflection of the success we had last season, and returning three starters surely had a lot to do with the ranking," Whiteman said. "However, we lost a first-team all-American in Chris Ware and our point guard Kenyon Smith, who is playing at Illinois State. Those are really big shoes to fill.

"Our team this year will have a little different identity, and with the tough schedule we play to start off the year, I hope we figure it out sooner than later.

"We are excited about our freshman class and looking forward to see how they develop, but the one big key for us will be Kiel Turpin and how well he steps up to fill Chris Ware's role in the post, demanding double and triple teams."

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Lincoln College men's basketball

[Text from NJCAA news release and file received from Kirk Whiteman, Lincoln College]